Fishing Charters in Florida
Browse fishing charters in Florida that can help you catch black grouper.
Nauti Girl Sportfishing
Palm Bay, FL
Captain Scott has been fishing Sebastian Inlet and the Space & treasure Coast since he moved here in 2002. But this is how his story started out, he saw the movie "Jaws" in June 1975 and found his calling, He started fishing along the Carolina coast and Gulf Stream at the age of 13. He fished around the world for 12 years in the US Navy, where he earned his 100 ton USCG Masters License. In 1993 in Port Aransas, Texas he was mentored by Captain Reese Green of Bill Buster's Sportfishing and he later went on to win some of the biggest fishing tournaments in the world. Island Mooring Pro Billfish Tournament 1993 and 1994 1997 Watermelon Classic Billfish Tournament 1997 Poco Bueno Blue Marlin Classic Texas Invitational Fishing Tournament 1995 Texas Women’s Anglers Tournament 1998 & 1999 Sharkey’s Pro Big Shark Tournament 1997-2000 Port Aransas Boatman “Deep Sea Round Up” 1997, 1999 and 2000 2007 Orange Beach Pro Billfish Tournament 2008 North Carolina Wahoo Shoot-Out He started Pure Pleasure Fishing in 1995 and ran it until 2003, when he moved to Melbourne, Florida and honed his skills on fishing Florida’s East Coast. Captain Scott is one of the world's top big shark fishing captains, having caught huge great whites, tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, blacktips, spinners and many more species. Captain Scott has caught 8 different species of billfish around the world, loves trolling and tuna fishing, bottom fishing, jigging and deep dropping. Captain Scott has caught 4 grander fish in his life (black marlin, mako shark, tiger shark and a great white). He has over a thousand + fish greater than 100 pounds boated under his skillful watch from wahoo, to blue and yellowfin tuna, thousands of sharks and many a blue marlin. Captain Scott is just missing a spearfish for his bucket list. Scott is a power production electrical engineer University of Texasand proud Long Horn. He works US Government civil service for the USAF with a TS-SCI Clearance and is retiring soon to pursue his love of fishing one last time. We are a veteran-owned company and offer Veteran and Military discounts
Reel Adventures
World class Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing Charters in Florida on the flats and back country of Tampa Bay,, Clearwater, St Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Charlotte Harbor for tarpon, snook, redfish, permit trout, cobia, and goliath grouper.
Right on Charters
Marathon fishing charters, Fly fishing charters, light tackle spin fishing charters and Family Fun Fishing charters. Fishing the Marathon, Islamorada, Big Pine and Everglades National Park Backcountry. 11 years experience guiding full time in the Florida Keys. Come chase permit, tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook, snappers,sharks, barracuda, cabin, Goliath grouper and more;.
SW Slam Fishing LLC
Join Captain Jason in reeling in Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Goliath Grouper and more! Catering to all skill levels, expect big fish and a fun adventure!
Florida Inshore Xtream Charters
Boca Grande, Englewood, Pine Island Sound... inshore, nearshore, tarpon and goliath grouper fishing charters.
Coastal Outfitters Sport Fishing Charters
Top-rated New Port Richey, Florida sport fishing charter that specializes in targeting Tarpon, Shark, Goliath Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico
Captain Jody Weis
We offer the best Offshore fishing boats where you might hook into Snook, Shark, Grouper, Snapper, Permit, Barracuda, Cobia, Mackerel and Goliath Grouper.
Best Time to Catch Black Grouper
Black Grouper can be caught year-round in Key West. Right now in April, activity is moderate.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Black Grouper
Chasing Black Grouper around Key West means understanding the dynamic underwater landscape. Focus your efforts on the reefs and wrecks further offshore, especially those in the Gulf of Mexico side. These structure-rich areas provide the perfect ambush points for these hard-fighting fish. As previously mentioned, seasonal forage plays a significant role. During the warmer months, look for areas with abundant baitfish schools. Live bait, such as pinfish or grunts, is incredibly effective, but cut bait can also produce results. Adjust your presentation based on the water temperature and current. In cooler water, slow down your retrieve and fish deeper. Also, pay close attention to the tides; grouper often become more active during periods of strong tidal flow. Remember to use heavy tackle, as these fish are notorious for running back into the structure. Be prepared for a battle and hold on tight! Consider checking with local dive shops for recent reports on grouper activity around specific wrecks or reefs.
Plan a Trip to Key West
See what's biting in Key West, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Black Grouper
Black Grouper Fishing Regulations in Florida
Open Season
May 1 - December 31
Daily Bag Limit
1 per harvester per day within the Grouper Aggregate
Size Limit
24-inch minimum total length
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Check FWC regulations for any potential emergency closures or changes to the season. The Grouper Aggregate includes gag, red, scamp, yellowfin, yellowmouth, and black grouper.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Florida state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the legal size for Black Grouper in Key West, Florida?
You can only keep Black Grouper that are 24 inches or greater in total length. Make sure to measure your catch carefully.
What is the best time of year to fish for Black Grouper in Key West?
The season for Black Grouper in Florida is open from May 1st to December 31st. Plan your fishing trips within this timeframe.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license to catch Black Grouper in Key West, Florida?
Yes, a valid Florida saltwater fishing license is required to fish for Black Grouper and other saltwater species in Key West.
What's the daily bag limit for Black Grouper in the Key West area?
The bag limit is 1 Black Grouper per harvester per day, and this counts toward the Grouper Aggregate. Be aware of all species included in the Grouper Aggregate to avoid going over the limit.
More Black Grouper Fishing in Florida
Other Species to Fish in Key West
Ready to Catch Black Grouper in Key West?
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